Arresting caries by sealants: results of a clinical study.

In each of 14 patients, one bilateral occlusal carious lesion was sealed and the other lesion was left open as a control. The control lesions showed patterns of sudden increases in cavity depth, as well as evidence of being active bacteriologically; whereas, with one exception, the sealed lesions were inactive bacteriologically. The residual carious material in the sealed lesions suggested a complete cessation of the carious process. No clinical or radiologic signs were seen to suggest that the health of the sealed tooth had been compromised.